Solar air heater

ABSTRACT

A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation in part of, and claims the benefitof, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/060,424, filed on Oct. 1, 2020,which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/168,506,filed on Oct. 23, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/576,503, filed Oct. 24, 2017, the contents ofwhich are all incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Solar collectors may be used to convert solar energy into heat energy.Solar collectors may be used in multiple applications to reduce areliance on fossil fuel powered devices. For example, solar collectorsmay be used in the heating of residential and commercial buildings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description will be understood more fully from the detaileddescription given below and from the accompanying drawings of variousembodiments of the present embodiment, which, however, are not be takento limit the present embodiment to the specific embodiments, but are forexplanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1A illustrates a side perspective view of a solar air heatingsystem connected to a rooftop air handling unit (RTU), according to anembodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a solar air heating system connectedto an RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side exposed view of the solar air heating system,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B illustrates the chamber providing air to the RTU from below anair vent or air intake hood of the RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2C illustrates the chamber providing air to the RTU from above anair vent of the RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2D illustrates the chamber being partially inserted into an airvent of the RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of the structure of the solarair heating system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the structure, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of the structure, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a strap to connect the structure to the RTU thesolar air heating system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the structure connected to the RTU,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the barrier system withouta barrier on a side of the barrier system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of a solar airheating system connected to chamber affixed to a side wall of abuilding.

FIG. 7 is an exploded parts view of the solar air heating system of FIG.6 .

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the cage structure of an alternativeembodiment of the solar air heating system of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8B is an enlarged perspective view of a selected portion of thecage structure illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is an enlarged perspective view of a selected portion of thecage structure illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of the chamber of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a selected portion of the cross sectionof the chamber illustrated in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the chamber of FIG. 6 affixed to the side wallof a building.

FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of an alternative embodiment of an airchamber.

FIG. 12 is a perspective bottom view of an alternative embodiment of anair chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed solar air heaters will become better understood throughreview of the following detailed description in conjunction with thefigures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples ofthe various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, andaltered without departing from the scope of the inventions describedherein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications anddesign considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and everycontemplated variation is not individually described in the followingdetailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of solar airheater examples are provided. Related features in the examples may beidentical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake ofbrevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in eachexample. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the readerthat the feature with a related feature name may be similar to therelated feature in an example explained previously. Features specific toa given example will be described in that particular example. The readershould understand that a given feature need not be the same or similarto the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure orexample.

A solar collector may be used as a solar air heater to supply heat toresidential homes and commercial buildings. Conventional solarcollectors may employ a collector plate for converting solar energy intoheat. The collector plate is located inside a housing with alight-transmitting barrier for passing incident solar radiation. Thesolar radiation passes through the barrier and is absorbed by thecollector plate and converted into heat. The converted heat energy maybe transferred to a fluid or air to heat the fluid or air, respectively.The heated fluid or heated air may then be conveyed away for the solarcollector and used to subsequently heat residential homes or commercialbuilding.

Conventionally, the construction of solar air heaters may be expensive.The solar air heaters may be constructed out of metal and may berequired to adhere to regulatory standards. Additionally, conventionalsolar air heaters may be cumbersome to install. For example, mayregulatory standards require equipment screening on the three sides of arooftop air handling unit (RTU) that are not used for solar collection.Additionally, to connect conventional solar air heaters with RTUs mayrequire modifications and alterations to the RTU, which may increase thecost of installation. The modifications may also decrease the efficiencyof the RTU or damage the RTU.

The embodiments described herein may, therefore, include a solar airheat system that may be connected to an RTU to preheat air that is usedby the RTU to heat a building. In one embodiment, the solar air heatermay be configured to reduce a cost on the construction of the solar airheater. In another embodiment, the solar air heater may be configured toconnect to the RTU without modifying or altering the RTU.

FIG. 1A illustrates a side perspective view of a solar air heatingsystem 100 connected to a rooftop air handling unit (RTU) 102, accordingto an embodiment. The solar air heating system 100 may include a chamber104, an air duct 106, and a barrier system 108. The chamber 104 may beconnected to the RTU 102.

The RTU 102 may be an air handling unit (AHU) that regulates andcirculates air as part of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning(HVAC) system. The RTU 102 may be a relatively large metal box thatincludes blowers, heating or cooling elements, filter racks or chambers,sound attenuators, or dampers. The RTU 102 may connect to a ductworkventilation system that distributes the conditioned air through aresidence or commercial building.

The chamber 104 pre-heats air to provide pre-heated air to the RTU 102for circulation in a residence or commercial building. The barriersystem 108 may provide a visual boundary or barrier to restrict anindividual from unintentionally accessing the chamber 104 and the RTU102. The barrier system 108 may include a structure 110 and one or morebarriers, such as barriers 112 a-112 d. The barriers 112 a-112 d mayinclude a fabric material. In one embodiment, the fabric material of oneor more of the barriers 112 a-112 d may be a woven polypropylenematerial. In another embodiment, the fabric material of one or more ofbarriers the 112 a-112 d may be a cotton material, a silk material, alinen material, a wool material, a leather material, a hemp material,and so forth. In another embodiment, the fabric material of one or moreof the barriers 112 a-112 d may be fire-retardant material. In anotherembodiment, the fabric material of one or more of the barriers 112 a-112d may be porous to allow for movement of air through the material. Inanother example, the fabric material of one or more of the barriers 112a-112 d may be fire-rated, porous woven black fabric or perforated blackfabric allowing a designated quantity of air to flow through it at aspecific pressure drop. In another embodiment, the fabric material ofone or more of the barriers 112 a-112 d may be porous to allow wind tomove through the fabric material to reduce or substantially eliminate awind load on the barrier system 108 so that increased winds may not liftor move the barrier system 108.

In one embodiment, an air duct 106 may connect one of the barriers 112a-112 d to the chamber 104 so that the chamber 104 may receivepre-heated air before providing the air to the RTU 102. For example,outside air may pass through the barrier 112 a via the air duct 106 tothe chamber 104. In one example, the fabric material of the barrier 112a may be porous to allow air to move through the fabric material intothe chamber 104. In another example, the air duct 106 may be a flexibleair duct. In another example, the air duct 106 may be an insulatedconduit between the barrier 112 a and the chamber 104.

In another embodiment, the chamber 104 may be a plenum. The plenum maybe a container or structure with an air-filled space that receives airfrom through one of the barriers 112 a-112 d. For example, the plenummay be connected to the barrier 1 l 2 a. As the air moves through thebarrier 112 a, the plenum may receive the air. In another embodiment, afan of the RTU 102 may pull in outside air through the chamber 104.

In one embodiment, one or more of the barriers 112 a-112 b may be adark-colored material that may capture solar energy and convert thesolar energy into heat energy. For example, the barrier 112 a mayinclude a black fabric material that heats up when bombarded by solarenergy. In this example, the barrier 112 a may be a transpired solarcollector where the fabric heats up air as it passes through the fabric.In another example, the barrier 112 a may include a cavity to store theheated air. The heated air may flow from the cavity of the barrier 112 ato the chamber 104, where the chamber 104 may further heat the air thatis provided to the RTU 102. The barrier 112 a may include the fabricmaterial to provide a sufficient surface area to absorb solar energy asheat and then transfer that heat to air as the air passes through thefabric material to the chamber 104. In another embodiment, the chamber104 may include a fan to pull air through the barrier 112 a and/or theair duct 106.

In another embodiment, one or more of the barriers 1 l 2 a-112 d mayinclude plastic material, metal material, or other material that mayheat up when bombarded by solar energy. In another example, the barrier1 l 2 a may include an absorber plate that heats up when bombarded bysolar energy. As the absorber plate heats up, at least a portion of theheat radiates from the absorber plate into the air and increases thetemperature of the air as the air passes through the fabric material tothe chamber 104. In another embodiment, the barriers 112 a-112 d mayinclude the fabric material, the plastic material, the metal material,and/or the other material to heat up air surrounding the outside of thechamber 104 and/or the RTU 102. In one example, each of the barriers 112a-112 d may include black fabric material that may absorb solar energyand convert the solar energy into heat. The heat from the fabricmaterial may increase a temperature of the air in a cavity or spacewithin the barriers 112 a-112 d. The heated air in the cavity or spacemay increase a temperature of the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102 suchthat thermal energy from the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102 may notradiate from the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102 and will remain at thechamber 104 and/or the RTU 102.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a solar air heating system 100connected to the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Some of thefeatures in FIG. 1B are the same or similar to some of the features inFIG. 1A as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly describedotherwise. As discussed above, the solar air heating system 100 mayinclude a chamber 104 to preheat air and/or provided the air to the RTU102. As further discussed above, an air duct 106 may connect the chamber104 to one of the barriers 112 a-112 d, such as barrier 112 a. In oneembodiment, the barrier 112 a or at least a portion of the barrier 1 l 2a may include an air collector 114.

The air collector 114 may be a container that captures or stores aportion of air that passes through an exterior portion of the barrier112 a. The air collector 114 may include material that allows for air topass from outside the air collector 114 into a cavity of the aircollector 114. The air collector 114 may then heat the air within thecavity. In one embodiment, the air collector 114 may include materialthat may convert solar energy into thermal energy. For example, the aircollector 114 may include black fabric material that may absorb lightenergy or solar energy from the sun and convert the light energy orsolar energy into thermal energy or heat. The thermal energy may thenradiate from the black fabric material and heat the air stored in thecavity of the air collector 114. In another embodiment, the aircollector 114 may include a first material at a front of the barrier 112a that is porous to allow the air to enter the cavity and a secondmaterial that may capture the air to heat or increase the temperature ofthe air as the thermal energy is transferred from the first material tothe air.

As the air is heated in the cavity of the air collector 114, the air maythen be transferred from the cavity of the air collector 114 to thechamber 104 via the air duct 106. As discussed above, the chamber 104may further increase the temperature of the air within the chamber 104.As further discussed below, the chamber 104 may be configured to have anopen position that allows the preheated air to be transferred from thechamber 104 to the RTU 102 and a closed position that allows outside orexternal air to be directed to the RTU 102.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side exposed view of the solar air heating system100, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 2A are thesame or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-1B as noted by samereference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise.

The chamber 104 may include a diverter 216, a motor 218, and an externalair opening 220. In one example, the chamber 104 may be a container,such as a box or a plenum, that is connected to the air duct 106. Asdiscussed above, the chamber 104 may receive heated air via an openingconnected to the air duct 106. A portion of the chamber 104 may alsoinclude an external air opening 220 that may provide an opening for thechamber 104 to receive non-preheated air from the external or outsideenvironment. In one embodiment, the cavity of the chamber 104 mayinclude a first portion 226 and a second portion 228.

The first portion 226 may include an opening connected to the air duct106 to receive the preheated air. The preheated air may be stored orcontained within the first portion of the cavity. The second portion 228may include the external air opening 220 to receive external air.

In one embodiment, the chamber 104 may include the diverter 216connected to the motor 218 within the cavity of the chamber 104. Themotor 218 may be configured to rotate the diverter 216 between anoutside air configuration 222 and a preheated air configuration 224. Inone embodiment, the diverter 216 may be a hinged flap. In anotherembodiment, the diverter 216 may be a polycarbonate sheet or sheetmetal. In another embodiment, the motor 218 may rotate the diverter 216between a first position for the outside air configuration 222 and asecond position for the preheated air configuration 224. In one example,the first position may be a vertical position where the diverter 216 isat a 90-degree angle relative to a bottom of the chamber 104. When thediverter 216 is in the first position, the diverter 216 may form abarrier or a wall between the first portion 226 of the cavity of thechamber 104 and the second portion 228 of the cavity of the chamber 104.When the diverter 216 is in the first position, the chamber 104 maydirect air external to the chamber 104 to an opening 229 of the chamber104 that is at a top of the second portion 228 that abuts an air intakeof the RTU 102.

In another example, the second position may be a vertical position wherethe diverter 216 is coplanar or horizontal relative to a bottom of thechamber 104. When the diverter 216 is in the second position, thediverter 216 may form a barrier or a wall over the external air opening220 such that external air may not enter the cavity of the chamber 104and may not be directed to the RTU 102. When the diverter 216 is in thesecond position, the preheated air stored in the cavity of the chamber104 may be directed via the opening 229 to the RTU 102 to provide theRTU 102 with air that has a temperature higher the temperature of theexternal air.

The motor 218 may switch the diverter between the outside airconfiguration 222 and the pre-heated air configuration 224 based on anoutside temperature approximate to the chamber 104. In one embodiment,when the outside temperature is below a threshold temperature level, themotor 218 may rotate the diverter 216 to be in the preheated airconfiguration 224 so that the chamber 104 provides air via the opening229 to the RTU 102 that has been preheated by the collector 112 and/orthe chamber 104. The chamber 104 may provide the RTU 102 with pre-heatedair to reduce the amount of energy the RTU 102 uses to heat the air to athreshold level prior to circulating the air into a residence orcommercial building. When the outside temperature is equal to or exceedthe threshold temperature level, the motor 218 may rotate the diverter216 to the vertical position to block the air in the first portion 226of the chamber from being provided to the RTU 102 and allow the air fromthe external air opening 220 to be provided to the RTU 102 via thechamber 104.

In one embodiment, the threshold temperature level may be set as astandard temperature level for air supplied to the RTU 102. For example,the RTU 102 may require that the temperature of the air provided to theRTU be at least 57 degrees Fahrenheit (F). When the outside air is below57° F., the chamber 104 may provide preheated air that is at least 57°F. When the outside air is equal to or exceeds 57° F., the chamber 104may provide outside air to the RTU 102.

In one example, when the external or outside air temperature is at least57° F., the motor 218 may be energized or engaged to start pushing apiston that pushes the diverter 216 upward and by the time the outsideair temperature is 60° F. the motor 218 may fully extend the piston toclose off the air flow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104.When the air flow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104 isclosed off, the external air opening 220 may be fully opened to theexternal air such that the RTU 102 receives the external air from thechamber 104.

In another example, when the external or outside air temperature is atbelow 57° F. the motor 218 may be energized or engaged to start to pullthe piston that pulls the diverter 216 upward or backward to open theair flow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104. When the airflow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104 is open, the externalair opening 220 may be closed off such that the RTU 102 receives thepreheated air from the chamber 104. The motor 218 may keep the diverter216 in the same position until the outside temperature changes frombelow the threshold temperature to above the threshold temperature orvice versa.

In one embodiment, the motor 218 may be a wax motor. The wax motor maybe a linear actuator device that converts thermal energy into mechanicalenergy using a phase-changing wax to actuate the motor 218. For example,as wax melts, the wax may contract in volume and as the wax solidifiesthe wax may expand in volume. As the wax contracts or expands, thecontraction or expansion may actuate the motor 218 to switch thepositions of the diverter 216. When the motor 218 is a wax motor, thechamber 104 may not use electricity to actuate the motor to switch thepositions of the diverter 216. In another embodiment, the motor 218 maybe an electric motor, a gas motor, or a solar-powered motor and may useelectricity or another source of power to actuate the motor 218 toswitch the positions of the diverter 216. In one example, as the waxcontracts the motor 218 may pull the diverter 216 into the firstposition 226 and when the wax expands the motor 218 may push thediverter 216 into the second position 228, or vice versa.

FIG. 2B illustrates the chamber 104 providing air to the RTU 102 frombelow an air intake or air intake hood 230 of the RTU 102, according toan embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 2B are the same or similarto some of the features in FIGS. 1A-2B as noted by same referencenumbers, unless expressly described otherwise. In one embodiment, thechamber 104 may be connected to the RTU 102 with fasteners. Thefasteners may include straps, bolts, epoxy, and so forth. In anotherembodiment, the chamber 104 may be placed below the air intake 230 ofthe RTU 102 such that while the opening 229 of the chamber 104 is notphysically connected to the air intake 230, the chamber 104 ispositioned under the air intake 230 so that as the RTU 102 pulls air inair from the air intake 230, the air will be pulled from the chamber 104via the opening 229. In one example, a height of the chamber 104 may beadjusted to fit beneath the RTU 102 so that when a fan of the RTU 102pulls air from the outside to circulate new air into a residence orbuilding, the RTU 102 may pull the air from the opening 229 of thechamber 104.

In another embodiment, a support structure 232 that supports the chamber104 may be located beneath the chamber 104. When the chamber 104 isconnected to the RTU 102 or positioned approximate the RTU 102, thechamber 104 may be placed or positioned against the RTU 102 so that theopening 229 of the chamber 104 is located underneath the air intake 230of the RTU 102.

In one embodiment, the support structure 232 of the chamber 104 mayinclude legs that may be adjusted so that the opening 229 of the chamber104 abuts the bottom of the air intake 230 of the RTU 102. Once theadjustable legs of the support structure 232 have been adjusted, theadjustable legs may be secured a roof that the RTU 102 rests on, such asby screwing the adjustable legs of the support structure 232 to theroof. In one example, the chamber 104 may be adjusted to slope down at adownward angle or up at an upward angle so that water may flow off a topof the chamber 104. To adjust the upward or downward angle of thechamber 104, one or more adjustable legs of the support structure 232may be raised or lowered in height.

In another example, to access the bottom of the air intake 230 of theRTU 102, the chamber 104 may be removed from the support structure 232,such as unscrewing or unfastening the chamber 104 from the supportstructure 232 and removing the chamber 104. When the chamber 104 hasbeen removed from the support structure 232, an individual may access abottom of the air intake 230.

FIG. 2C illustrates the chamber 104 providing air to the RTU 102 fromabove an air vent 234 of the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Someof the features in FIG. 2C are the same or similar to some of thefeatures in FIGS. 1A-2B as noted by same reference numbers, unlessexpressly described otherwise. The configuration of the RTU 102 may varybased on the type of building the RTU 102 is connected to and/or thetype of ventilation system of the building that the RTU 102 is connectedto. As discussed in FIG. 2B, the RTU 102 may include an air intake 230that is facing downward with an opening of the air intake 230 that opensat a bottom of the air intake 230. In another embodiment, the RTU 102may include an air vent 234 that faces upward with an opening at the topof the air vent 234. In this embodiment, the chamber 104 may bepositioned such that the opening 229 of the chamber 104 may facedownward toward the opening at the top of the air vent 234. When thechamber 104 is positioned above the top of the air vent 234, the chamber104 may be supported by a support structure 236 with one or moreadjustable legs. In one example, the support structure 236 may fullysupport the chamber 104. In another example, at least a portion of thechamber 104 may be supported by the air vent 234. For example, a frontportion of the chamber 104 may rest on a top of the air vent 234.

FIG. 2D illustrates the chamber 104 being partially inserted into an airvent 238 of the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Some of thefeatures in FIG. 2D are the same or similar to some of the features inFIGS. 1A-2C as noted by same reference numbers, unless expresslydescribed otherwise. As discussed above, the configuration of the RTU102 may vary based on the type of building the RTU 102 is connected toand/or the type of ventilation system of the building that the RTU 102is connected to. In one embodiment, the RTU 102 may include an air vent238 that extends outward from a side of the RTU 102. In this embodiment,the chamber 104 may be at least partially be inserted into an opening atan end of the air vent 238. For example, an end of the chamber 104 withthe opening 229 may be positioned at least partially within the openingof the air vent 238. In another embodiment, when the chamber 104 isinserted at least partially into the air vent 238, the air vent 238 maysupport the chamber 104. For example, the chamber 104 may be slightlysmaller (such as 1 millimeter to 25 millimeters smaller) than a cavityof the air vent 238 such that the chamber 104 may rest within the cavityof the air vent 238 and be supported by the air vent 238.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of the structure 110 of thesolar air heating system 100, according to an embodiment. Some of thefeatures in FIG. 3A are the same or similar to some of the features inFIGS. 1A-2D as noted by same reference numbers, unless expresslydescribed otherwise. As discussed above, the barrier system 108 mayprovide a visual boundary or barrier to restrict an individual fromunintentionally accessing the chamber 104 and the RTU 102 in FIG. 1A.The barrier system 108 may include the structure 110 that one or morebarriers 112 a-112 d may be attached to. The structure 110 may includeone or more sub-structures. The number, configuration, and dimension ofthe sub-structures of the structure 110 discussed below are not intendedto be limiting but rather provide examples of the sub-structures of thestructure 110.

In one embodiment, the structure 110 may include sub-structures 340 a,340 b, 340 c, and 340 d. The sub-structures 340 a, 340 b, 340 c, and 340d may have the same configuration. While sub-structure 340 a isdiscussed below, sub-structures 340 b, 340 c, and 340 d may have thesame configuration and/or components and are not discussed separately.

The sub-structure 340 a may include a base support 342, side supports344 a and 344 b, cross supports 346 a-346 d, and a top support 348. Inone embodiment, the base support 342 may extend horizontally along afirst plane 350 and the top support 348 may extend horizontally along asecond plane 352. The first side support 344 a may be connected to afirst end of the base support 342 and extend from the first plane 350upwardly to the second plane 352. The second side support 344 b may beconnected to a second end of the base support 342 and extend from thefirst plane 350 upwardly to the second plane 352. In one embodiment, thebase support 342 and the top support 348 may be the same length suchthat the base support 342, the top support 348, the first side support344 a, and the second side support 344 b form a square or a rectangleshaped frame. In another embodiment, the base support 342 and the topsupport 348 may be different lengths such that the base support 342, thetop support 348, the first side support 344 a, and the second sidesupport 344 b form a trapezoid shaped frame.

In another embodiment, the cross supports 346 a-346 d may extend betweenthe base support 342 and the top support 348 within the perimeter of theframe formed by the base support 342, the top support 348, the firstside support 344 a, and the second side support 344 b. In one example,one or more of the cross supports 346 a-346 d may extend perpendicularlyfrom the base support 342 and the top support 348. In another example,one or more of the cross supports 346 a-346 d may extend at an anglefrom the base support 342 and the top support 348. The cross supports346 a-346 d reinforce the sub-structure 340 a in which the crosssupports 346 a-346 d are support braces or intersecting braces that mayincrease a structural integrity and rigidity of the sub-structure 340 a.The number of cross supports for the sub-structure 340 a is not intendedto be limiting. For example, the sub-structure 340 a may include asingle cross support or multiple cross supports. As discussed above, thesub-structure 340 a may support the air collector 114 in FIG. 1B and/orthe barrier 112 a.

In another embodiment, the sub-structures 340 a-340 d may beinterconnected to form the structure 110. In one example, thesub-structures 340 a-340 d may be connected at the side supports 344 aand/or 344 b. For example, the side support 344 a of sub-structure 340 amay be connected to the side support of the sub-structure 340 d and theside support 344 b of sub-structure 340 b may be connected to a sidesupport of sub-structure 340 b. The sub-structures 340 b-340 d may besimilarly interconnected. In one example, one or more of thesub-structures 340 a-340 d may be positioned perpendicularly orvertically relative to the ground or a floor. In one example, one ormore of the sub-structures 340 a-340 d may be positioned at an anglerelative to the ground or a floor. The angle may be between 1 degree and89 degrees or 91 degrees and 179 degrees. In one embodiment, the firstsub-structure 340 a and the third sub-structure 340 c may be angledinward toward an RTU and the second sub-structure 340 b and the fourthsub-structure 340 d may be perpendicular relative to the ground or floorsuch that the second sub-structure 340 b and the fourth sub-structure340 d extend upwardly at the same angle as the RTU. In anotherembodiment, the sub-structure 340 a-340 d may be perpendicular relativeto the ground or floor to form a square structure.

In one embodiment, one or more sections of the sub-structure 340 a maybe adjustable in width and/or height. For example, the base support 342,the top support 348, the first side support 344 a, the second sidesupport 344 b, and/or the cross supports 346 a-346 d may be adjustablein length. In another example, the sub-structure 340 a may be adjustedalong a lateral plane to move right or left to avoid obstacles. Forexample, the sub-structure 340 a may be adjusted laterally to move thesub-structure 340 a along the lateral plane. In one example, thesub-structure 340 a may include an adjuster to adjust a height and/orlength of the sub-structure 340 a. In one example, the adjuster mayinclude a first pipe or beam with a first diameter at least partiallyinserting into a second pipe or beam with a second diameter. In thisexample, when the amount that the first pipe or beam is inserted intothe second pipe or beam is a defined amount to adjust the sub-structure340 a to a desired height and/or length, a fastener may be adjusted tokeep maintain the amount the first pipe or beam is inserted. Thefastener may be screws, push buttons, and so forth to secure the firstpipe or beam to the second pipe or beam.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the structure 110, according to anembodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3B are the same or similar tosome of the features in FIG. 1A-3A as noted by same reference numbers,unless expressly described otherwise. The structure 110 may includefooting to support the sub-structures 340 a-340 d. In one embodiment,the sub-structure 340 a may include a first support beam 354 a and afirst footing 356 a to connect to the first side support 344 a and/orthe base support 342. The first support beam 354 a and the first footing356 a may support a first side of the sub-structure 340 a. In anotherembodiment, the sub-structure 340 b may include a second support beam354 b and the second footing 356 b to connect to the second side support344 b and/or the base support 342. The second support beam 354 b and thesecond footing 356 b may support a second side of the sub-structure 340a.

In one embodiment, the first footing 356 a and/or the second footing 356b may be a pipe, a beam, a board, and so forth. In one example, thefirst footing 356 a and/or the second footing 356 b may be a 4×6 treatedtimber that are lagged into a curb of the RTU 102 or the ground, afloor, or a roof of a building. The first footing 356 a and the secondfooting 356 b may extend out past the RTU 102 in both directions, suchas extending approximately 7 feet. The second sub-structure 340 b, thethird sub-structure 340 c, and/or the fourth sub-structure 340 d mayinclude similar support beams and footings. In one example, thestructure 110 may include a support beam and a footing at each corner atthe bottom of the structure 110. In one embodiment, a length of thefooting may vary to disperse a weight of the solar air heating system100, as shown in FIG. 1A. In one example, a structural or buildingrequirement may define an amount of weight that may be applied to a roofof a building over a defined area of the roof. In this example, thelength of one or more of the footings may be increased or decrease todisperse the weight of the solar air heating system 100 according to thestructural or building requirement.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of the structure 110, according to anembodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3C are the same or similar tosome of the features in FIGS. 1A-3B as noted by same reference numbers,unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the structure110 may include footings to support the structure 110 and fasten thestructure 110 to the ground or a floor of a roof. In one embodiment, thestructure may include a first footing 356 a at a first corner of thestructure 110, a second footing 356 b at a second corner of thestructure 110, a third footing 356 c at a third corner of the structure110, and a fourth footing 356 d at a fourth corner of the structure 110.The first footing 356 a, the second footing 356 b, the third footing 356c, and the fourth footing 356 d may support the structure 110 and maydisperse the weight of the structure 110 across a portion of the groundor the floor of a roof. The structure 110 may provide a frame to holdthe barriers 112 a-112 d to provide a visual boundary or barrier torestrict an individual from unintentionally accessing the RTU 102.

FIG. 4A illustrates a strap 450 to connect the structure 110 to the RTU102 of the solar air heating system 100, according to an embodiment.Some of the features in FIG. 4A are the same or similar to some of thefeatures in FIGS. 1A-3C as noted by same reference numbers, unlessexpressly described otherwise. In one embodiment, the strap 450 may beconnected to the RTU 102 by extending around a perimeter of the RTU 102.In one example, as the size and circumference of the perimeter of theRTU 102 may vary, the strap 450 may include an adjuster 452 to increaseor decrease a circumference of the strap 450.

In one embodiment, the strap 450 may be a metal strap that extendsaround a perimeter of a top portion of the RTU 102. The adjuster 452 maybe a bolt that connects a first end of the strap 450 to a second end ofthe strap 450. A nut may be located on one end or both ends of the bolt.As the bolt is fastened or tightened, the circumference of the strap 450may be reduced and as the bolt is unfastened or untightened, thecircumference of the strap 450 may be increased. In another embodiment,the strap 450 may be a tie down strap and the adjuster 452 may be aratchet to adjust a size of the circumference of the strap 450. Inanother embodiment, the strap 450 may be a strip of material and theadjuster 452 may be a buckle to adjust a length of the strap 450.

In another embodiment, the structure 110 may include one or moreconnector beams 454 a-454 d to connect the structure 110 to the RTU 102via the strap 450. In one example, a first connector beam 454 a mayconnect to a top beam 348 a for the first sub-structure 340 a. The firstconnector beam 454 a may extend from the first top beam 348 a to a firstside of the strap 450 to fasten the first top beam 348 a to the strap450. In another example, a second connector beam 454 b may connect to asecond top beam 348 b for the second sub-structure 340 b. The secondconnector beam 454 b may extend from the second top beam 348 b to asecond side of the strap 450 to fasten the second top beam 348 b to thestrap 450. In another example, a third connector beam 454 c may connectto a third top beam 348 c for the third sub-structure 340 c. The thirdconnector beam 454 c may extend from the third top beam 348 c to a thirdside of the strap 450 to fasten the third top beam 348 c to the strap450. In another example, a fourth connector beam 454 d may connect to afourth top beam 348 d for the fourth sub-structure 340 d. The fourthconnector beam 454 d may extend from the fourth top beam 348 d to afourth side of the strap 450 to fasten the fourth top beam 348 d to thestrap 450.

The first connector beam 454 a, the second connector beam 454 b, thethird connector beam 454 c, and/or the fourth connector beam 454 d mayfasten to the top beams 348 a-348 d and the sides of the strap 450,respectively, by a fastener. The fastener may be a nut and bolt, epoxy,a loop and hook, and so forth. A number of the connector beams is notintended to be limiting. The solar air heating system 100 may include asingle connector beam or multiple connector beams.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the structure 110 connected to the RTU102, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 4B are thesame or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-4A as noted by samereference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussedabove, the connector beams 454 a-454 d may connect the top beams 348a-348 d to the strap 450, respectively. Connecting the top beams 348a-348 d to the strap 450 may secure the structure 110 to the RTU 102.When winds blow across the solar air heating system 100, the secureconnection of the structure 110 to the RTU 102 may reduce or eliminatethe movement of the structure 110 by the wind. Additionally, the secureconnection may reduce or eliminate the structure 110 being accidentallymoved when an individual bumps into the structure 110.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the barrier system 108without a barrier on a side 556 of the barrier system 108, according toan embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 5 are the same or similar tosome of the features in FIGS. 1A-4B as noted by same reference numbers,unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the barriersystem 108 may provide a visual boundary or barrier to restrict anindividual from unintentionally accessing the chamber 104 and the RTU102. In one embodiment, the RTU 102 may be located against orapproximate another structure, such as a wall, a door, an edge of aroof, or a relatively large object. When the RTU 102 is located againstor approximate the other structure, the barrier system 108 may notinclude a barrier on the side of the barrier system 108 that faces theother structure. In one embodiment, when the side 556 of the barriersystem 108 is located against or approximate a wall, the barrier system108 may not include a barrier on side 556. For example, when the side556 corresponds with the side where barrier 112 c is located in FIG. 1A,the barrier system 108 may not include the barrier 112 c as part of thebarrier system 108. In one example, eliminating the barrier 112 c fromthe barrier system 108 may reduce a weight of the solar air heatingsystem 100. In another example, eliminating the barrier 112 c from thebarrier system 108 may reduce a surface area of the barrier system 108that may be caught by wind and move or damage the solar air heatingsystem 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of a solar airheating system 600 connected to chamber 104 affixed to a side wall of abuilding (not shown), wherein the RTU (not shown) is disposed within theinterior of the building. Here, the chamber 104 provides air into theinterior of a structure. The exemplary solar air heating system 600includes two air collectors 114 a and 114 b. The two air collectors 114a, 114 b are fluidly coupled to the first portion 226 of the chamber 104by the air ducts 106. In accordance with previously describedembodiments, the wall mounted chamber 104 includes a diverter (notshown), that when operated to the first position, diverts air externalto the chamber 104 into the second portion 228, via the opening 229,such that the external air is drawn into the RTU when the RTU isoperating. When the diverter is operated into the second position, theopening 229 is closed by the diverter to block the external air fromentering into the second portion 228. And, when the diverter is in thesecond position, the first portion 226 of the air chamber is in fluidcommunication with the second portion 226. When the RTU is operatingwhen the diverter is in the second position, air is drawn through theair permeable black or dark radiant heat absorbing fabric materialcovering the exterior portion of the air collectors 14 a, 114 b. The airis heated as it passes through the black fabric material. The heated airwithin the interior of the air collectors 114 a, 114 b is then drawnthrough the ducts 106 into the first portion 226 of the chamber 104. Thewarm air is then drawn through the second portion 226 and then into theoperating RTU.

Other embodiments may employ one air collector 114, or more than two aircollectors 114. Size and volume of the air collectors 114 a, 114 b maybe designed to provide any desired volume of air that is drawn in by theoperating RTU. The air collectors 114 a, 114 b are conceptuallydescribed as being affixed to a side wall of a building. In otherembodiments, the air collectors 114 a, 114 b may be affixed to a roof ofa building, or may be separately affixed to another structure.

FIG. 7 is an exploded parts view of the air collector 114 a, 114 b ofFIG. 6 . The air collector 114 a, 114 b comprises a cage structure 702,an air barrier 704, a layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706, and anend portion 708. The cage structure 702 provides the structure to definean interior of the air collectors 114 a, 114 b, and is sufficientlyrigid enough so that the air collectors 114 a, 114 b duringtransportation to the installation site, installation, and use.

The cage structure 702 may be fabricated from any readily availablemetal cage material that can be readily cut to a predefined design size.Alternatively, the cage material may be made of a rigid or semi rigidplastic. In some embodiments, multiple sections of the formed cagestructure 702 may be connected to form an air collector 114 a, 114 b ofany desired length.

In an example embodiment, the air barrier 704 is a layer that isdisposed along the lower side 702 b of the air collector 114 a, 114 bthat is facing the side wall of the installation building (or the roofif installed on a building roof). Here, the lower side 702 b is facingaway from the sun. The air barrier 704 prevents entry of external airinto the air collector 114 a, 114 b from that side 702 b because thatside 702 b of the air collector 114 a, 114 b is not heated by incidentsolar energy. Preferably, the air barrier 704 is made of a temperatureinsulative material so that heated air entering into the interior of theair collector 114 a, 114 b is not cooled by that side of the aircollector 114 a, 114 b.

The outward facing side 702 a of the air collector 114 a, 114 b iscovered with at least one layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 ofany suitable thickness. In a preferred embodiment, two or more layers ofradiant heat absorbing fabric 706 are used. The layer of radiant heatabsorbing fabric 706 on the outward facing surface 702 a of the aircollector 114 a, 114 b is exposed to the heating solar energy of thesun. As external air is drawn through the heated layer of radiant heatabsorbing fabric 706 into the interior of the air collector 114 a, 114b, the drawn air is heated by the warmed layer of radiant heat absorbingfabric 706.

The end portion end portion 708 is shaped in accordance with the crosssection of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. The edges of the end portion708 are affixed to the end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. In anexample embodiments, support members 710 are used to secure the edges ofthe end portion 708 to the end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b.Additionally, or alternatively, glue, solder, welding, clips, or otherattaching means may be used to secure the edges of the end portion 708to the end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. Preferably, the securededges of the end portion 708 form an air tight, or substantially airtight, seal with the end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b.

The end portion 708 includes an air duct aperture 712 sized to mateablyfit to the air duct 106 (FIG. 6 ). Any suitable means may be used tosecure the end of the air duct 106 to the aperture 712 of the endportion 708. Preferably, the secured air duct aperture 712 of the endportion 708 forms an air tight, or substantially air tight, seal withthe end of the air duct 106.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 7 , one skilled in the artappreciates that the opposing edges of a first cage structure 702 a arejoined with corresponding opposing edges of a second cage structure 702b. The edges may be secured using any suitable fastener, such as a clip,bolt and nut, screw, or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, glue,solder, welding, adhesive tape, or other attaching means may be used tosecure the edges of the end portion 708 to the end of the air collectors114 a, 114 b. In an example embodiment, a support member 714 may be usedto secure the edges of the sides 702 a, 702 b of the cage structure 702.Further, the optional support member 714 may provide further rigidity tothe air collectors 114 a, 114 b.

A distal end portion 802 (see FIG. 8A) is secured to the distal opposingend of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. In an example embodiment, theshape and size of the distal end portion 802 is the same, orsubstantially the same, as the shape and size of the end portion 708.The edges of the distal end portion 802 are affixed to the opposing endof the air collector 114 a, 114 b in the same or similar manner as usedto secure the edges of the end portion 708 to the proximal end of theair collector 114 a, 114 b. Preferably, the secured edges of the distalend portion 802 form an air tight, or substantially air tight, seal withthe opposing end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b. Accordingly, whenair is drawn into the interior of the air collector 114 a, 114 b, theair must pass through the black material covering the air collector 114a, 114 b.

In an example embodiment, the distal end portion 802 does not include anair duct aperture. Alternatively, an air duct aperture may be includedin the distal end portion 802 so that a plurality of air collector 114a, 114 b may be connected in series with each other using a duct.

In some embodiments, the distal end portion 802 at the distal opposingend of the air collector 114 a, 114 b is omitted. The side edges of theopposing distal end of the air collector 114 a, 114 b may be broughttogether and then sealably joined together in an airtight manner.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the cage structure 702 of analternative embodiment of the solar air heating system 602 of FIG. 6 .FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C are enlarged perspective views of selected portionsof the cage structure 702 illustrated in FIG. 8A.

In the example embodiment of the cage structure 702 of FIG. 8A, theprocess of constructing the cage structure 702 begins by laying a sheetof wire cage material on a working surface, such as a table or a floor.The sheet of wire cage material is folded over on top of itself so thatthe opposing edges of the wire cage material are brought together. Asillustrated in FIGS. 8B, 8C, a plurality of wire clips 804 may be usedto secure the opposing edges of the wire cage material together. Othersecuring means, such as wire, bolts and nuts, screws, glue, adhesivetape, or the like may be used to secure the opposing edges of the cagestructure 702 together. An optional support member 714 may be used tofurther secure the opposing edges of the cage structure 702 together andto provide additional rigidity and structural support to the formed cagestructure 702. In practice, the sides 702 a, 702 b are pressed togetherto some degree to deform the wire cage material to conform to the shapeof the end portion 708. In the example embodiment, the formed cagestructure 702 resembles an aircraft wing.

Next, the end portion 708 is secured to the proximal end of the cagestructure 702. In the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 8B, piecesof wire 806 may be used to secure the end portion 708 to the end of thecage structure 702. Alternatively, or additionally, other means may beused to secure the end portion 708 to the cage structure 702, such assuch as wire, bolts and nuts, screws, glue, adhesive tape, or the like.The distal end section 802 is similarly secured to the distal opposingend of the cage structure 702.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A, three sections 702-1,702-2 and 702-3 of wire cage material are separately formed as describedherein above. Then, the three sections 702-1, 702-2 and 702-3 arealigned together in an end to end fashion on the working surface. Clips808 are then used to secure the ends of the three sections 702-1, 702-2and 702-3 to each other, thereby forming the cage structure 702 having adesired length. Other securing means, such as wire, bolts and nuts,screws, glue, adhesive tape, or the like may be used to secure theopposing edges of the three sections 702-1, 702-2 and 702-3 together. Anoptional support member 714 may be used to further secure the opposingedges of the three sections 702-1, 702-2 and 702-3 together and toprovide additional rigidity to the formed cage structure 702.

In an example embodiment, a large sheet of the layer of radiant heatabsorbing fabric 706 is then laid down on another flat working surface,such as a table or a floor. Then, a cut-to-size piece of air barrier 704material is placed over a portion of the layer of radiant heat absorbingfabric 706. After assembly of the cage structure 702, the side 702 b ofthe fabricated cage structure 702 is placed on top of the cut-to-sizepiece of air barrier 704 material. Then the remaining portion of thelayer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 is wrapped over and aroundthe side 702 a of the cage structure 702, The ends of the layer ofradiant heat absorbing fabric 706 are then joined and secured together,such as by sewing, clipping, gluing, taping, or the like.

FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of the air collector 114 a, 114 b ofFIG. 6 . FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross sectionof the air collector 114 a, 114 b illustrated in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9Billustrates the use of a plurality of screws 902 to secure the supportmember 714 to the joined edges of the sides 702 a and 702 b. The screws902 may be self-tapping, such that when driven into and through thematerial of the support member 714, the lower surface of the heads ofthe screws 902 tighten the wire of the cage structure 702 b onto theupper surface of the support member 704 to frictionally secure the edgeof the cage structure 702 to the support member 714.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the air collector 114 a, 114 b of FIG. 6affixed to the side wall 1002 of a building. In the various embodiments,any suitable attachment means may be used to secure the air collector114 a, 114 b. In the example embodiment, a first support member 1004 issecured to the side wall 1002 and is secured to the lower portion of theside 702 b of the cage structure 702. A shorter second support member1006 is secured to the side wall 1002 and is secured to the upperportion of the side 702 b of the cage structure 702. Accordingly, theair collector 114 a, 114 b is angled such that the side 702 a of thecage structure 702 with the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706is oriented upward at an angle to receive incident solar energy thatheats up the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706. Preferably, anyattachment means such as a bracket or the like secures the air collector114 a, 114 b at an angle to receive incident sunlight.

FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of an alternative embodiment of an aircollector 114 c. FIG. 12 is a perspective bottom view of an alternativeembodiment of an air collector 114 c.

The air collector 114 c is a wall-like structure comprising a baseportion 1102, an internal cage structure (not shown) defining an upperside 702 a, and a bottom portion 1104 defining a lower side 702 b. Inthe example embodiment, the base portion 1102 is substantiallyrectangular in shape with side walls 1106.

The internal cage structure is secured to the top edge of the baseportion 1102. When the internal cage structure is made of a metal wirecage, the internal cage structure may be optionally arched to increasethe area of the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 that isexposed to the sun, and to increase the volume within the air collector114 c.

The bottom portion 1104 is secured to the lower edges of the baseportion 1102. The bottom portion 1104 is preferably air impermeable. Insome embodiments, an insulating barrier material may be used for, or maybe secured to a surface of, the bottom portion 1104.

The arched internal cage structure defining the side 702 a is covered bythe layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706. The depth of the baseportion 1102 as defined by the dimensions of the side walls 1106. Thearch of the internal cage structure and the dimension of the side walls1106 define the volume of the interior cavity of the air collector 114c. The degree of the arched cage structure 702 and the dimensions of theside walls 1008 may be defied to provide any suitable volume within theair collector 114 c.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11-12 , an air ductaperture 712 is disposed on the bottom portion 1104 of the air collector114 c to facilitate coupling of the air collector 114 c to an air duct106. In other embodiments, the air duct aperture 712 may be located on aselected one of the side walls 1106. If an air duct is located on one ofthe side walls 1106, another one of the air collectors 114 c may bejoined to the air collector 114 c (or two air collectors 114 c may beconnected with an air duct 106). A plurality of joined air collectors114 c may then be used as part of an enclosure and/or a building wall.

In an example practice, the air collector 114 c is positioned verticallyto form part of a wall or barrier. In other applications, the aircollector 114 c may be oriented at an angle towards the sun so that thelayer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 may more efficiently receiveand be heated by the incident solar energy.

In some embodiments wherein a plurality of air collectors 114 c arejoined together to form an enclosure, the bottom portion 1104 may beomitted. The enclosed volume defined by the plurality of joined aircollectors 114 c may then become heated as air is drawn through theheated layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706, wherein the heatedair may be used for additional purposes. For example, a seating area maybe set up within the enclosed volume so that people within the enclosedvolume may be comfortably seated. For example, but not limited to,patrons of a bar or restaurant seated within the enclosed volume of anoutdoor patio may be warmed by the heated air flowing through the layerof radiant heat absorbing fabric 706. In a farming or agriculturalenvironment, the enclosed volume may be used to warm animals, poultry,or the like. The enclosed volume may be used as a greenhouse for plants,and/or to preheat air for the green house.

In some instances, the air collector 114 c may be relatively large, andmay form a wall or a substantial portion thereof. If the bottom portion1104 is omitted, the enclosed volume defined in part by the relativelylarge air collectors 114 c may then become heated as air is drawnthrough the heated layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706.

In some situations, the RTU may be used to draw air through the warmedlayer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706. For example, the RTU may bea simple fan or the like. The warmed air drawn by the RTU fan may beused for any suitable purpose. In some instances, the internal air drawnby the fan may simply be exhausted into the ambient environment.

In some situations, a relatively large rectangular shaped air collector114 c may be horizontally oriented, or substantially horizontallyoriented, for use as a shade awning for a house or other building.

Embodiments of the air collector 114 c may define other shapes, such astriangles or other polyhedrals. For example, a plurality of rectangular,triangular, and/or polyhedral shaped air collectors 114 c may bearranged to form a yurt, an octagonal structure, or the like.Optionally, parts of the structure may include clear plastic or glasscovered apertures to admit natural light and/or to control ambience ofthe interior volume. Such structures may be particularly desirable toincrease an outdoor seating area during the winter season. Optionally,the plurality of air collectors 114 c may be easily assembled anddisassembled for seasonal use.

In the various embodiments, one layer, two layers or even more layers ofradiant heat absorbing fabric 706 may be used to cover the side 702 a ofthe cage structure 702. Preferably, the air pressure drop between thelayer(s) of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 and the RTU creates astatic pressure of approximately seven to 10 cubic feet per minute (cfm)per square foot of the layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric 706 at0.10 inches H20 (0.00025 bar).

In a residential home or building application, a smart thermostat may beused to control air flow through the structure. A remote sensor locatedinside of the interior of the air collector 114 may communicatetemperature information to the thermostat. When the temperature reaches72° Fahrenheit in the interior volume of the air collector 114, aheating furnace (RTU) may be actively set to a “fan only” mode ofoperation. Heated air in the interior volume of the air collector 114may be drawn into the structure for air circulation. Here, a seconddiverter would open from the interior of the structure into the ambientoutside, thus exhausting stale air to make room for the incoming airvolume of the heated air drawn into the structure from the interiorvolume of the air collector 114.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct embodiments withindependent utility. While each of these embodiments has been disclosedin a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustratedabove are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the embodiments includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of thevarious elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed aboveand inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such embodiments.Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “afirst” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claimsare to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed tocombinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed embodiments that arebelieved to be novel and non-obvious. Embodiments embodied in othercombinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elementsand/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims orpresentation of new claims in the present application or in a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed tothe same embodiment or a different embodiment and whether they aredifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are to be considered within the subject matter of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of preheating air using an aircollector that is fluidly coupled to a chamber, wherein the chamberprovides heated air to an interior of a structure, comprising:preheating air in the air collector, wherein the air collector definesan interior cavity configured to store heated air, and wherein a firstsurface portion of the air collector that is oriented towards the sun iscovered with a radiant heat absorbing fabric, wherein the radiant heatabsorbing fabric converts solar energy into thermal energy, and whereinthe radiant heat absorbing fabric transfers the thermal energy topreheat air that is drawn through the radiant heat absorbing fabric andthen into the interior cavity of the air collector; comparing atemperature of outside air with a threshold temperature; providing theoutside air to a chamber in response to the temperature of outside airbeing at least equal to the threshold temperature; and providing thepreheated air within the interior cavity of the air collector to thechamber, wherein the preheated air in the chamber is drawn into aninterior of a structure in response to the temperature of the outsideair being less than the threshold temperature.
 2. The method of claim 1,method further comprising: operating a diverter in the chamber into afirst position to divert the preheated air within interior cavity of theair collector to the interior of the structure; and operating thediverter in the chamber into a second position to divert the outside airto the interior of the structure.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein thechamber transfers the preheated air from a cavity of the chamber whenthe diverter is operated to the first position, and wherein the outsideair enters an opening disposed in the chamber when the divertor isoperated in the second position.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein theair collector is a first air collector with a first interior cavity, themethod further comprising: preheating air in a second air collector,wherein the second air collector defines a second interior cavityconfigured to store air, and wherein a first surface portion of thesecond air collector that is oriented towards the sun is covered with aradiant heat absorbing fabric, wherein the radiant heat absorbing fabricconverts solar energy into thermal energy, and wherein the radiant heatabsorbing fabric transfers the thermal energy to preheat air that isdrawn through the radiant heat absorbing fabric and then into theinterior cavity of the second air collector; and providing the preheatedair within the second interior cavity of the second air collector to thechamber in response to the temperature of the outside air being lessthan the threshold temperature.
 5. A solar air heating system,comprising: a chamber that provides air to an interior of a structure;an air duct with a proximal end that is fluidly coupled to the chamber;an air collector that is fluidly coupled to an opposing end of the airduct, the air collector comprising: a cage structure that defines aninterior cavity of the air collector; an end portion, wherein the endportion has an air duct aperture that is coupled to the opposing end ofthe air duct, and wherein the end portion is secured to an end of theair collector to form a substantially air tight seal between the endportion and the end of the air chamber; an air barrier layer disposedalong a lower side of the air collector; and a layer of air permeable,radiant heat absorbing fabric disposed over a top side of the aircollector, wherein the radiant heat absorbing fabric transfers thermalenergy to preheat air that is drawn through the radiant heat absorbingfabric and then into the interior cavity of the air collector, whereinoutside air is provided to the chamber in response to the temperature ofoutside air being at least equal to a threshold temperature, and whereinthe preheated air within the interior cavity of the air collector isprovided to the chamber in response to the temperature of outside airbeing less than the threshold temperature so that the preheated air inthe chamber is then drawn into the interior of the structure.
 6. Thesolar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the layer of air permeable,radiant heat absorbing fabric disposed over the top side of the aircollector is one of a plurality of layers of air permeable, radiant heatabsorbing fabric disposed over the top side of the air collector.
 7. Thesolar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the cage structure is oneof a plurality of cage structures aligned end to end, wherein thealigned plurality of cage structures form the interior cavity of the aircollector.
 8. The solar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the cagestructure is formed from a sheet of wire cage material that is foldedover on itself, and wherein the layer of air permeable, radiant heatabsorbing fabric is wrapped over the cage structure to form the aircollector.
 9. The solar air heating system of claim 8, wherein a shapeof the air collector resembles an aircraft wing.
 10. The solar airheating system of claim 8, wherein opposing edges of the folded wirecage material are secured together.
 11. The solar air heating system ofclaim 10, further comprising: a support member secured to the opposingedges of the folded wire cage material, wherein the support memberprovides additional structural support to the air collector.
 12. Thesolar air heating system of claim 5, wherein the air barrier layerdisposed along the lower side of the air collector is made of atemperature insulative material.
 13. The solar air heating system ofclaim 5, wherein the end portion is a first end portion, and furthercomprising: a second end portion, wherein the second end portion issecured to an opposing end of the air collector to form a substantiallyair tight seal between the second end portion and the opposing end ofthe air chamber.
 14. The solar air heating system of claim 5, whereinthe second end portion includes an air duct aperture that is used tofluidly couple the air collector to another air collector.
 15. The solarair heating system of claim 5, wherein the air collector is a first aircollector with a first interior cavity, wherein the air duct is a firstair duct, wherein the air barrier layer of the first air collector is afirst air barrier layer, wherein the cage structure of the first aircollector is a first cage structure, wherein the end portion of thefirst air collector is a first end portion, wherein the layer of airpermeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric is a first layer of airpermeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric, and further comprising: asecond air duct with a proximal end that is fluidly coupled to thechamber; a second air collector that is fluidly coupled to an opposingend of the second air duct, the second air collector comprising: asecond cage structure that defines an interior cavity of the second aircollector; a second end portion, wherein the second end portion has anair duct aperture that is coupled to the opposing end of the second airduct, and wherein the second end portion is secured to an end of thesecond air collector to form a substantially air tight seal between thesecond end portion and the end of the second air chamber; a second airbarrier layer disposed along a lower side of the second air collector;and a second layer of air permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabricdisposed over a top side of the second air collector, wherein the secondair permeable, radiant heat absorbing fabric transfers thermal energy topreheat air that is drawn through the second air permeable, radiant heatabsorbing fabric and then into the interior cavity of the second aircollector, and wherein the preheated air within the interior cavity ofthe second air collector is provided to the chamber in response to thetemperature of outside air being less than the threshold temperature sothat the preheated air in the chamber is then drawn into the interior ofthe structure.
 16. An air collector, comprising: a base portion; and aninternal cage structure that defines a fist surface that is covered withat least one layer of radiant heat absorbing fabric that is airpermeable, wherein the internal cage structure and the base portioncooperatively define at least an interior cavity of the air collector,wherein the radiant heat absorbing fabric transfers thermal energy topreheat air that is drawn through the radiant heat absorbing fabric andthen into the interior cavity of the air collector, wherein outside airis provided to an interior of a structure in response to the temperatureof outside air being at least equal to a threshold temperature, andwherein the preheated air within the interior cavity of the aircollector is provided to the interior of the structure in response tothe temperature of outside air being less than the threshold temperatureso that the preheated air in the chamber is then drawn into the interiorof the structure.
 17. The air collector of claim 16, further comprising:a bottom portion secured to a bottom edge of the base portion, whereinthe bottom portion is air impermeable, and wherein the bottom portionand the bottom edge of the base portion form an airtight seal.
 18. Theair collector of claim 17, further comprising: a temperature insulativelayer of material disposed along a surface of the bottom portion. 19.The air collector of claim 16, wherein when the air collector is mountedin a substantially horizontal orientation, the air collector is used asa shade awning.
 20. The air collector of claim 16, wherein when the aircollector is mounted in a substantially vertical orientation, the aircollector is used as part of a wall.